Johnny Bulson Obituary

Johnny Bulson, 67, formerly of Newburgh (NY), Ireland, the open road, Telluride and Durango, passed peacefully in the early morning of February 6, 2022 in Denver, Colorado.

The beloved son of John and Helen Bulson, he was born in Newburgh on December 1, 1954. He was predeceased by his parents and is survived by his sisters Norma Jean Kahl and Bernadette Chick.

Johnny lived full-hearted and fearlessly. After leaving his childhood home, restoring castles in Ireland, he literally rolled into his beloved mountain home of Telluride for the first time in 1980, his car engine giving out as he coasted downhill. He cut and hauled firewood, repaired cars, became a licensed plumber, and enjoyed his many friends. Happy memories unfolded.

On April 18, 1986, Johnny suffered a spinal cord injury after a head-first dive in the San Juan River and spent the next 36 years pushing himself forward into life from his wheelchair. He modeled resilience and joy, effortlessly smiling at all he met.

After his injury, he earned his BA from Colorado Mesa University and his MA in Rehabilitation Therapy from UNC in Greeley. He worked for many years as the Communications Director at Telluride's MountainFilm Festival. He moved to Durango 16 years ago and enjoyed long conversations in the sunshine outside of his favorite coffee shops.

Johnny will be remembered for his warmth and his love. He touched so many lives and will be dearly missed by his devoted family in New York and his extensive family of friends in Colorado.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, March 5 from 6-9 pm at Durango Coffee Company. If you loved him in any way, please join us.